The purpose of this study is to determine the better approach between the currently procedure (i.e. standards precautions) and a reinforced strategy to control MRSA transmission in the institutionalized population of nursing homes in Canton of Vaud, Switzerland.

Further study details as provided by University of Lausanne Hospitals:

Primary Outcome Measures:

To determine the change in prevalence of MRSA carriage among residents of each Nursing homes group at the end of the one study year [ Time Frame: 1 year ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

in each control and intervention nursing home: MRSA screening of all residents of nursing homes of Canton Vaud, at baseline and 1 year later, in order to compare MRSA prevalence changes at nursing homes levels

Secondary Outcome Measures:

To determine the effectiveness of the reinforced strategy to prevent MRSA infection, compared to the standard strategy [ Time Frame: 1 year ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

In a subpopulation of all nursing homes residents (10% of the whole population), recording of all microbiologically documented MRSA infection, according to nosocomial infection definitions of the Center of Diseases Control (CDC) of Atlanta.

MRSA carriage among nursing homes residents of Canton Vaud, Switzerland, is increasing, despite use of standard precautions. Recommendation to prevent MRSA transmission in long term care facilities are lacking. We aim to reinforce the current infection control strategy by general MRSA screening of institutionalised residents and decolonisation of MRSA carriers. Because the uncertainties in the impact of this reinforced strategy, we aim to compare this action to the policy actually applied.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

all nursing homes of canton Vaud, Switzerland, that give the consent of participation

Exclusion Criteria:

- refusal to participate

Inclusion criteria for decolonisation in intervention nursing homes:

- all MRSA positive residents living in a Nursing Home included in the intervention group

Exclusion Criteria for decolonisation:

residents that refuse to be screened or refused the decolonisation

life expectancy shorter of 7 days

known intolerance of disinfectant/ topical antibiotics used in the protocol

active MRSA infection

asymptomatic MRSA bacteriuria

stage IV wound (according to National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel)

Contacts and Locations

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01138462